Surprise, surprise: Chicago is already facing a pothole problem this winter! The Tribune reports there have been over 67,000 pothole fills so far this year, which IDOT and CDOT say is no worse than normal.
However, the Department of Transportation had already completed most of the resurfacing projects in their fiscal 2014 road improvement budget before our subzero temperatures hit. As CBS Chicago reports, they spent almost half the snow removal budget with our first major storm this year. Now the roads are torn up from the aftermath of our Chiberia, and our main hope for additional re-paving funds for this fiscal year is hinged on whether or not the projects they have yet to complete this year come in under budget.
But even though freezing temps are hitting us early – and seemingly unrelentingly – those planned road projects must wait until spring. Hot-patch asphalt sticks better than cold-patch asphalt, which is the only available kind of patchwork in the current climate.
Whether dwelling in a suburb or the city, Chicagoans are no stranger to potholes. Heck, I thought I was going to see an axle break driving southbound on LaGrange Road last week. You know it’s a part of everyday life when they develop a pothole tracking app! Still, it’s a bit nerve-wracking, wondering whether or not our roads will be drive-able by March.
Do you have a pothole horror story taking place near you?
